‘Save our soul’ – Ona Ara Communities writes Makinde over alleged land grabbing

Communities under the Araromi General Development Association in Ona Ara local government area in Oyo State have sought Governor Makinde’s intervention over alleged land grabbing from unidentified government officials to.

The communities which comprised Ajonloku, Oloyo, Idi -Ogun Iyi-Ola, Bolarinwa and Kuye villages, raised the alarm when the alleged certain persons who claimed to be government officials marked some of their properties in the community for acquisition.

The communities, in a petition addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde, said that the land grabbers’ attempts to forcefully chase them away from their houses will render many people homeless as the land grabbers have concluded plans to evict them.

The communities through their counsel, Barrister Omoniyi Odeyemi, declared that some of these properties have registered certificates of occupancy obtained from the Ministry of Lands.

The communities in a Save Our Soul petition titled “Urgent request to prevent the acquisition of property at Ona Ara local government area of Oyo state”, appealed to the Governor to urgently intervene to protect the rights of the people of the area.

The petition said: “We are the solicitors to Araromi General Development Association which comprises of following Villages; Ajonloku, Oloyo, Idi -Ogun Iyi-Ola, Bolarinwa and Kuye (hereinafter referred to as our client) and on whose instruction we write.”

“We write to you with great urgency and concern regarding the acquisition of the properties by some persons in the above-named villages located in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State with well over 10,000 occupants.”

“Some certain persons who claim to be government officials have marked some of the properties in the community for acquisition, as it stands could have severe consequences for the community at large, a lot of persons will be rendered homeless and it will also be an infringement of personal rights.”

“Some of these properties have a registered certificates of occupancy Obtained from the Ministry of Lands. We kindly request your intervention and assistance in preventing this acquisition, which we believe is not in the best interest of our community and may lead to adverse consequences.”

“We believe that with your expertise and influence, we can explore alternative solutions that would benefit all the occupants. We look forward to your positive response in resolving this pressing issue. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated, as time is of the essence. We have attached copies of documents to prove ownership of these properties.”